Reclining Buddha Sculpture Appraisal

Hand-Carved Reclining Buddha Sculpture

This is a significant hand-carved sculpture depicting the Reclining Buddha, a traditional iconographic representation of Siddhartha Gautama during his last moments before entering Parinirvana. The piece is crafted from a solid piece of dark-stained wood, possibly suar or teak, featuring a dual-tone finish. The upper anatomical portions of the figure, including the face and back, are polished to a deep ebony-like sheen, while the lower robes and the base are finished with an antiqued, pale gold or ochre patina with intricate textural incisions. The face is rendered with peaceful, downturned eyes and elongated earlobes characteristic of Southeast Asian Buddhist art. The figure rests its head upon a stack of three carved cushions, which are embellished with floral or geometric motifs. Notable condition issues include a prominent longitudinal crack (checking) along the upper back of the figure, likely caused by atmospheric changes or natural drying of the primary wood block. The craftsmanship exhibits a high degree of manual skill, though it appears to be a 20th or early 21st-century production intended for the art and décor trade rather than a temple antiquity. The contrasting textures and colors provide a dramatic visual appeal, emphasizing the folds of the robes and the serene expression of the deity.